Godspeed You Black Emperor! is a Canadian-based 9-piece with a varying ratio ofguitarists (3), bassists (2), drummers (2), a cellist, and violinist. Various samples and other percussion come into the mix, as well. The music on"Lift Your Skinny Fists..." is alternately hypnotic and captivating, sleepy and startling. You can make it background music and not notice what's happening, then sit down with headphones on and discover everything you missed the first time."Life Your Skinny Fists..." spends much of its bulk wandering about, repeating its linesthat provide your mind a picture of what's happening. The music conveys emotion better without words than some of the best lyrical music ever could. The crawling bass and strings provoke actual fear and anxiety; the dreams in the music become your own. P.A.s crackle, someone sings part of "Baby-O", and the voices get slowly drowned-out by strings and reverb. When it comes down to it, your enjoyment of this album will depend largely on what you seek from music. Godspeed You Black Emperor's music is far closer to art and texture than it is to modern rock, pop, or any other contemporary genre. It's like a far-subtler Pink Floyd, without the comfort of a human voice. If you'd like to find out what pictures you can draw, buy this.
1. Storm: Levez Vos Skinny Fists Comme...
2. Static: Terrible Canyons of Static; Chart...
3. Sleep: Murray Ostril (They Don't Sleep...
4. Antennas to Heaven: Moya Sings Baby-O;...
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